There are a number of ways to report a crime. If you feel uncomfortable, ask a friend or family member to be with you for support or contact the Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817 to talk about your options.

Getting information about the court case

You can follow the progress of a case by contacting the police, or by contacting the court directly.

You'll need to know the accused person's name

Once a person has been charged police should provide you with details about how to find the date, time and place of the court hearing. This includes the name of the accused person.

Once you have this information you can find out when and where the case will be heard, and get information about the outcome.

Contact police if you don't know the accused person's name

If police gave you a ‘Notice to the Victim’ form when you reported the crime, it should have the name and contact details of the police investigator working on your case. Sometimes, police will send this form to you in the mail.

The form might also have an 'Incident Number'. This is the number police use to keep track of the case. When you contact the police investigator, tell them the Incident Number from your form.

Sometimes it can be difficult to get in contact with the police investigator looking after your case. Police officers work different day and night shifts, and sometimes they may have a few days off in a row.

You can also call the court directly, giving them the name of the accused person:

Magistrates' Court - Call: 03 9628 7777 and choose option one

County Court Criminal Registry - Call: 03 8636 6570

Supreme Court Principal Registry - Call: 03 9603 9300

Always check the case details the day before

The court process can take some time and court dates often get changed or delayed. The prosecution team will do their best to let you know if this happens. Sometimes delays happen at short notice and can even happen on the day of the case. Make sure you check the case details the day before the original scheduled court date.

Get information about the outcome

The law in Victoria says that police should provide you with information about the outcome of the court case.

If you are finding it hard to get information from the police officer in charge of your case, you can apply to the courts for information or specific documents, such as a copy of the final decision or a written record of what happened at the hearing (called a transcript).

Magistrates' Court Cases

Access to the court file

All Magistrates' Court cases are recorded and kept for 12 months. You can fill out an application form (External link) to ask for a copy of the audio recording. The audio recording costs $55 for each day of the court case.

The Magistrates’ Court doesn't provide written transcripts of court cases.

Court result or decision

You can apply for an extract of the result of a Magistrates' Court hearing. You'll need to write a letter addressed to the Criminal Registry of the court where the case was heard. The Magistrates’ Court website (External link) has address details for each court location.

County Court Cases

Access to the court file

You can request access to a file before or during a trial by applying in writing to the trial judge (during trial) or criminal list judge (before trial). After a matter has been finalised, applications should be made to the trial judge or the Chief Judge of the County Court. You may need to complete a form to access this information.

For further information, you should contact the County Court Melbourne Criminal Registry on 03 8636 6570.

Court transcript

A transcript is a written record of what happens in court hearings. It shows what was said and who said it. You can get a County Court transcript from the Victorian Government Reporting Service (VGRS).

In assessing what is reasonable, the stated purpose and intended use of the information will be taken into account. For general queries, contact the Melbourne Criminal Registry on 03 8636 6570.

Sentencing remarks

Copies of sentencing remarks may be available. For more information, contact the Information and Library Services Manager on 03 8636 6430.

Supreme Court Cases

Access to the court file before or during a trial

The court allows people to look at a court file in person, but this may not be possible in every case. You may have to pay a fee for this service.

Call the Supreme Court on 03 9603 9300 for more information.

Court transcripts

A transcript is a written record of what happens in court hearings. It shows what was said and who said it. You can get Supreme Court transcripts from the Victorian Government Reporting Service (VGRS).